Rep. Gardner introduces bill on livestock drug safety program

Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma said Friday that he will introduce a measure reauthorizing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to test and review generic drugs used by livestock producers.

The program is funded through fees from drug manufacturers.

“This legislation is critical to the work of veterinarians and animal caregivers across the state and nationwide,” Gardener said in a statement.

“It keeps animals safe the same way that the F.D.A. keeps medicine for people safe,” Gardner spokeswoman Rachel George said. “This is a seal of approval that lets people know that this (drug) has been tested, and that this is a regulated substance and it’s safe to use.”

Without re-authorization of the bill, the F.D.A. would have no authority to collect fees and the program would face funding cuts, she said.

A hearing on the bill will be held in the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health April 9.